Global Development in Science, Technology and Mathematics Education: An Appraisal of Science Teaching in Katsina State, North West-Nigeria

Abstract

Science education is considered as an indispensable variable in the civilization and development of any nation. Nation that pays serious attention to the improvement of its Science, Technology and Mathematic Education (STME) will soon be classified as a developed country on the ground that all other developmental aspects will surely be positively affected by STME. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess the happenings/activities of STME particularly in secondary schools of Katsina State, North West Nigeria with the view of comparing them with the global development in STME. The study is guided by four (4) research questions and survey design was used. The sample of the study was made up of six (6) science secondary schools – students and science teachers. Equally important, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Personal Observations (POs) and Questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. It was discovered that contrary to the best global practices on teaching and learning science, conducive STME teaching and learning is lacking and science teachers are not up to date with global practices in STME. Also STME curriculum is hardly covered. It is recommended amongst others that intensive staff development and conducive environment must be provided for Nigerian STME to meet up with the global development.

Keywords: STM Education, Global development, Science Teaching and learning